BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Team Buckley hosted Military Retiree Appreciation Day on July 27, 2019, at the Leadership Development Center here. Veterans of Aurora gathered to share stories, eat food and to meet with supporting organizations directly for any questions they might have about benefits or otherwise.
Congressman Jason Crow, Representative of the 6th District of Colorado, began the ceremony with opening remarks.
“We are humbled by your service and sacrifice,” said Crow. “The American life is not guaranteed, democracy and freedom is not inevitable, it's something that has to be fought for, generation after generation.”
Every year, Team Buckley hosts a Military Retiree Appreciation Day to honor those who served but also to educate retirees of the free resources available to them. Many different organizations and helping agencies held booths at the LDC such as the Military Support Squadron and the Air Force Association. These organizations educated retirees on resources they might not know about and demonstrated what they could do to help.
Attendees were greeted by over 35 different helping organizations. These organizations were able to consult with retirees directly in order to better establish lines of communication between helping agencies and retirees.
The event was organized by the Buckley Retiree Activities Office. The RAO serves as a resource for retirees and provides assistance related to their needs and benefits.
“This gives retirees a chance to meet with organizations face to face rather than on the phone, and to answer any questions they might have,” said retired Lt. Col. Steven Young, Retiree Activities Office director.
The Retiree Affairs Office directly supports the 28,000 military retirees that are found in the heritage-rich Aurora area.
“These folks have given a large portion of their life and service to their country and we just want to show our appreciation,” said Young.
For more information, please contact the RAO at 720-847-6693 or email them at 460SW.RAO.ORG@US.AF.MIL.